The road to sustainability starts with lower fuel consumption

Electric fleets are becoming increasingly popular as companies face long waiting lists to electrify their heavy-duty transportation vehicles. In the meantime, gas trucks and trailers need to maximize the value they get for every gallon of gasoline to make them as sustainable as possible in the face of climate change.

Truck fuel economy is a hot topic among environmentalists because semis are responsible for more CO2 emissions than lighter commuter vehicles. Making it greener is a huge advance in reducing transportation’s footprint, but it starts with optimization. Here’s how the industry can embrace improvements and make road travel a more environmentally friendly endeavor.

What is the fuel consumption of modern freight transport?

Fuel consumption indicates how well a vehicle can cover distances. Its quality is measured by efficiency, distance and fuel type. For example, assessing the economy of an electric car versus an internal combustion engine (ICE) would be a false equivalence on a superficial level.

Developing sustainable electric vehicles requires fuel economy to match and even exceed the best gas-powered vehicles in history, especially for heavy-duty fleets. Every vehicle on the market needs to save resources and money at gas stations to take a greener path, whether it is rechargeable or gas-powered.

Trucks are becoming increasingly complex, carry higher weights and use new technologies. Fleets can use more or less fuel and energy with these improvements, depending on their integration. For example, smart features inform drivers with accurate performance data when they’re pushed to their limits, but new powertrains can make fleets more efficient. Truck drivers are under pressure to travel further and faster than ever, with accelerated delivery times putting pressure on vehicles.

The quality and durability of roads also influence the fuel consumption of trucks. Some roads are stiffer in the US than in other countries, and policies would make a huge difference by making cars more fuel efficient. Heavy freight and vehicles burden the roads and destroy them at an increasing rate every year, but pavement hasn’t always been so delicate.

Federal investments could increase road strength on fleets’ most traveled routes. In addition to strengthening the pavement, leveling will also prevent trucks from entering and exiting seemingly small depressions that have a huge impact on performance. The savings from using less fuel and undergoing less maintenance can result in greener investments, such as electrification.

Why is truck fuel consumption important in sustainability?

Figures showing optimal fuel consumption reveal more than just how sustainable fleets are. Metrics provide insight into process improvements, allowing fleet managers to set impactful, informed goals for teams. They also show how intuitive and trained the drivers are. That’s why many companies are retraining their staff to streamline consumption.

The driver is partially responsible for whether a truck gets six miles per gallon versus ten or more. Discovering these improvement opportunities will reduce emissions and extend the life of vehicles. Providing incentives reinforces the viability and consistency of high-quality driving behavior. Engaging staff with rewards reduces employee turnover and creates a higher quality of life at work as they feel more fulfilled through higher productivity.

Equipping with predictive cruise control, staying in touch with modern recommendations and older driver training programs are key to increasing numbers. This is in addition to other strategies, such as phasing out the idea that trailer drivers have to press the pedals to the floor to go up a hill and do the same with the brake when going down.

It is essential to anticipate terrain changes by adjusting speed in advance. This also reduces tire pressure, releasing micro-pollutants due to wear. This is just one of many ways vehicle stress increases emissions and harms the environment, beyond air pollutants from fossil fuels.

Additionally, fuel economy and sustainability mean logistics and supply chain managers may consider route optimization. Low fuel economy may indicate losses due to traveling in high-traffic areas or areas with varied terrain. Discovering alternative routes is critical for fleet managers to get the most value out of every fill-up. Digital transformation and improved GPS software are lucrative ways to allocate budgets while maximizing fuel economy.

How do companies design fuel-efficient fleets?

Electrification is necessary for a sustainable economy, but concerns about range permeate the sector. The reputation of these carriers is poor and does not inspire confidence in the workforce. As batteries diversify and improve, there are ways to make fleets more aerodynamic and refined to support longer range and responsive fuel economy.

Slopes and angles on a truck’s windshield and roof catalyze rapid movements. The less resistance the vehicle has when climbing slopes, the better fleet operators can expect them to perform. A streamlined design helps drivers adapt more precisely to conditions, rather than compensating with power and speed for a truck built to push against wind and environmental influences.

Sensible designs ensure that components, such as the drivetrain, operate as smoothly as possible. Low fuel consumption is reflected in the efficiency of the powertrain thanks to its connection with other crucial components, such as the transmission. When poor design, poor fuel economy and environmental factors place too much strain on them, the carrier must compensate by reducing efficiency.

Industry experts see this consideration in heavy-duty models like the Volvo VNL, which features an upgraded transmission for 30% faster shifting and a seven-wave design instead of six. Small adjustments to the software and redesigning classic parts increased fuel consumption by 3%.

Another design improvement is minimizing the space between tractors, trailers or other connected peripherals. The opening allows a tunnel of airflow, compromising stability and handling. An unbalanced ride will reduce fuel economy, wasting time, money and fuel. Drivers and vehicles would not have to compensate for the extra pressure if the sections were closely connected.

Improving fuel economy in freight transport for a sustainable future

Sustainable transportation relates to fuel consumption in countless ways, from maximizing the potential and capacity of the tank or battery to reducing stress on components for longer life. Obtaining ideal figures is a combination of well-trained drivers, modern equipment and smart planning systems.

Fortunately, technology is available to improve these areas and forge a greener fleet. The transport sector’s carbon footprint is evolving, and focusing on fuel efficiency will bring it closer to global climate targets.

Emily Newton is editor-in-chief of Revolutionized Magazine, an online publication that explores innovations in science and technology.